relatively

adverb

rel·​a·​tive·​ly ˈre-lə-tiv-lē 

: to a relative degree or extent : somewhat

a relatively small group of people

relatively cool weather

The house is relatively new.

Phrases

relatively speaking

1

: when compared to others that are similar

The procedure was quick, relatively speaking.

Relatively speaking, the movie wasn't bad.

2

—used to say that something is true or correct as a general statement even if it is not entirely true or correct

The trip was, relatively speaking, a disaster.

Synonyms

• enough
• fairly
• kind of
• kindly [chiefly Southern]
• like
• moderately
• more or less
• pretty
• quite
• rather
• something
• somewhat
• sort of

Examples of relatively in a Sentence

these newly acquired in-laws felt relatively comfortable at our family reunion

Recent Examples on the Web

Given their relatively large populations and rapid rates of growth, enactment of universal ESAs in Texas and Tennessee would result in a significant boost to the number of U.S. households that have school choice. —Patrick Gleason, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

Even though mothers of minor children hold relatively few seats in the Texas Legislature, women are set to break a record. —Megan Stringer, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025

The long-term effects of wildfire smoke are less understood, as the rise in wildfire frequency linked to climate change is a relatively recent phenomenon. —Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025

Despite its relatively low interest rate, the CFPB alleged, the 360 Savings account was advertised as a high-interest savings account. —Russell Leung, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing relatively

• relatively prime

Kids Definition

relatively

adverb

rel·​a·​tive·​ly

ˈrel-ət-iv-lē

: somewhat entry 2